Matrix cleaning machine



Jan. 4, 1955 J. DRUSOVIC 2,693,443

MATRIX CLEANING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1.955 5 Sheets-Sheet l V IN V EN TOR Jo/m Drusowc Jan. 4, 1955 J. DRUSOVIC 2,698,443

MATRIX CLEANING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet.- 2

Illlllll Fig 4 Fig 3 IN V Ely TOR. Jo/m Drusowc BY 2 M my W Jan. 4, 1955 Filed Dec. 28, 1953 Fig 5 J. DRUSOVIC MATRIX CLEANING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENIOR. Jo/m Drusowc Affy United States Patent MATRIX CLEANING MACHINE John Drusovic, Mountain View, Calif.

Application December 28, 1953, Serial No. 400,532

3 Claims. (Cl. 15-77) The present invention relates to improvements in a matrix cleaning machine, and its principal object is to provide a machine in which matrixes used in the printing industry may be cleaned individually in rapid succession and without any danger of injuring or damaging the surfaces of the matrixes.

Matrixes of this type are in the form of relatively thin, rectangular plates of varying thicknesses, with suitable guide grooves in opposite ends thereof and with a character impressed upon one side edge thereof.

One of the important features of the invention is the use of a rotary element having means along the periphery thereof for successively gripping individual matrixes by their extreme edges, with the major portions of the matrixes projecting radially from the rotary element, the latter carrying the matrixes in a circular path to pass between sets of rotary brushes for cleaning the projecting portions.

Another feature of the invention is to provide means for successively feeding matrixes to the rotary element in proper position for the gripping means.

It is further proposed to provide gripping means on the rotary element arranged to automatically adjust themselves to matrixes of different thicknesses.

It is further contemplated, in the present invention, to provide mounting means for the brushes adapted to automatically adjust the spacing between the brushes to correspond to the thicknesses of the matrixes passing therebetween so that the brushes bear on the faces of the matrixes with uniform light pressure best adapted for cleaning without injury to the surfaces thereof.

It is still further proposed to provide means, whereby each matrix passing through the machine independently adjusts the spacing between the brushes to its own thickness so that matrixes of varying thicknesses may be run through the machine indiscriminately.

It is a further object of my invention to arrange the machine in two sections, one gripping the matrixes by one end for passing the projecting end between the cleaning brushes for cleaning the same, and the other section gripping the matrixes by the opposite ends for cleaning the then projecting portions in a similar manner, the two sections having intermediate means whereby the front section delivers the partly cleaned matrixes to the second section in proper position for gripping the latter.

And finally, it is proposed to provide means for intermittently rotating the rotary element in six impulses for each revolution, with rest periods between the impulses for loading, cleaning and discharging operations. This arrangement makes it possible to load the rotary element from the top, to discharge from the bottom and to provide two cleaning stations between the loading and discharge stations, one for rough cleaning and the other for fine cleaning or polishing, all the stations being 60 degrees apart along the circumferential path of each matrix.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear as the specification proceeds, and the new and useful features of my matrix cleaning machine will be fully defined in the claims attached hereto.

The preferred form of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of my matrix cleaning machine;

Figure 2, a front view thereof, with certain parts omitted;

2,698,448 Patented Jan. 4, 1955 Figure 3, a section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4, a section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;

gigure 5, a section taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2; an

Figure 6, a section taken along line 6-6 of Figure 1.

While I have shown only the preferred form of my invention, I wish to have it understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the claims attached hereto, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, my matrix cleaning machine comprises, in its principal features, a vertical chute 10, means indicated at 11 for successively dropping matrixes A into the chute in vertical position, a rotor 12 mounted underneath the chute and having means for successively gripping the matrixes with the major portions of the matrixes projecting radially, for carrying the matrixes circumferentially through degrees, and for then dropping the matrixes, two sets of rotary brushes 13 and 14 mounted along the path of travel for cleaning the projecting portions of the matrixes, a second chute 15 for receiving the matrixes from the rotor, a second rotor 16 similar to the first rotor and adapted to grip the matrixes in reversed position and to carry them circumferentially through an angle of 180 degrees, two additional sets of brushes 17 and 18 operable to clean the reversed projecting portions of the matrixes, a final discharge chute 19 mounted underneath the second rotor, and a delivery channel 20 for carrying off the cleaned matrixes.

The means for feeding the matrixes into the chute comprises a channel 21 contoured to receive a line of matrixes in vertical position and extending to within close proximity of the chute 10.

The line of matrixes is advanced in the channel under spring pressure by means of a pusher head 22 shaped to correspond in outline to the matrixes and operated by a link 23, which latter is operated by a second link 24 pivoted to the frame, as at 25, with a spring 26 serving to advance the pushers in the channel.

The foremost matrix is held against dropping into the channel by a pair of upper and lower lips 27 engaging upper and lower flanges projecting from the matrix, and for dropping the foremost matrix into the channel, it is necessary to lift the flanges of the matrix to rise above the lips. This is accomplished by a reciprocating pusher blade 28, which is made to reciprocate by a bell crank lever 51 to operate in timed relation to other parts of the machine for properly feeding the matrixes one by one in accordance with the requirements of the rotor 12.

The position of pusher blade 28 may be nicely adjusted by means of a set screw 52 and a spring 53 pulling against the same. This feeding mechanism is well-known in the art and no novelty is claimed for the same.

The rotor 12 is suitably operated, preferably by means of 2. Geneva movement, to move intermittently with six idling periods, provided during each revolution. The periphery of the rotor, which is made in the form of a disc, is formed with six evenly spaced notches or recesses 29 adapted to receive the lower ends of the matrixes therein, with the major portion of each matrix projecting outwardly in a plane parallel to that of the disc.

Each matrix is locked in position by means of a finger 30 pivoted to the front face of the rotor, as at 31, in radial position, with the outer end of each finger being urged into the recess for closing in on the matrix by means of a spring 32.

The rotor is moved in such a manner that each onesixth of a revolution brings a recess opposite the lower end of the chute, and it becomes necessary to cause the outer end of each finger to retract for opening the recess as the latter reaches a position opposite the chute, at what might be called the loading station.

This refractive movement is brought about by means of a roller 33 adapted to bear on the inner end of the finger brought opposite the chute, the roller being supported at the lower end of one arm of a bell crank lever 34, the free end of which is actuated by a spring 35 for pulling the roller away from the finger.

The free arm of the bell crank lever is actuated in the opposite direction by a vertical bar 36 operated by an arm 37 bearing on a projecting portion of the bar, and carried by a shaft 38, which latter causes the arm to bear down on the bar at the time a recess reaches the chute, the downward movement of the bar causing the roller 33 to push the inner end of the finger toward the disc, and to retract the outer end for clearing the recess to receive the matrix.

The shaft 38 is rocked back and forth in timed relation to the movement of the rotor to momentarily retract the outer end of the finger 30 for allowing the matrix to drop into the recess 29, while the spring 35 immediately thereafter causes the finger to close in on the positioned matrix.

After the matrix has been anchored in the rim of the rotor, it is advanced in intermittent movement to come to a stop after each sixty degrees of travel.

As the matrix approaches the first sixty degree station, it enters between two rotary brushes 13' and 13", mounted in opposing relation to each other and rotatable on an axis running parallel to the axis of the rotor. The inner brush 13' is held against axial motion with the brushing surface substantially in alinement with the inner face of the matrix passing between the brushes.

Since the matrixes are of different thicknesses, it is desirable to mount the outer brush 13 with freedom of axial adjustment, so as to make the spacing between the brushes correspond substantially to the thickness of each matrix passing therethrough to provide for a uniform and light brushing effect.

For this purpose, the outer brush 13" is made slidable on its supporting shaft, and is formed with a projecting arm 39 which is acted on by a spring 40 to urge the outer brush toward the inner brush.

The outer brush is pushed outward to provide maximum spacing for receiving the matrix by means of a cam 55 on a rocking shaft 56 operated by a gear drive 57, but its return movement into brushing position is limited and controlled by the thickness of the matrix disposed between the brushes by the following arrangement.

The outer end of the arm 39 extends over the rim section of the rotor and has a bolt 41 threaded thereinto, the free end of the bolt being made to bear on the outer end of the finger holding the matrix between the brushes. Since the position of the outer end of the finger is controlled by the thickness of the matrix, the position of the outer brush is similarly controlled.

When reaching the second station one-hundred twenty degrees from the loading station, the matrix passes through a second set of brushes, identified by the numeral 14, which operate on substantially the same principle as the first set of brushes, but are intended primarily for a finishing effect.

When the matrix reaches a position of one-hundred eighty degrees, that is, opposite the second chute 15, the inner end of its anchoring finger is acted on by a roller 42 carried by one arm of a bell crank lever 43 pivoted in a stationary frame member, at as 44. This lever is acted on by a vertical bar 45, which is normally retracted by a spring 46 for moving the roller away from the inner end of the finger.

The bar is lifted periodically by an arm 47 projecting from a shaft 48 for urging the roller upon the inner end of the finger for releasing the matrix.

The matrix, thus released, falls through the chute 15 in inverted position to be picked up by the second rotor 16, which is constructed along the same general lines as the first rotor.

The second rotor carries each matrix through stations sixty degrees and one-hundred twenty degrees away from the loading station, for cleaning between brushes 17 and 18, for final discharge into a third chute 19, which delivers the matrix by gravity, upon the channel 20 in which the line of matrixes is advanced by a rotary cam member 49, which crowds each new matrix forward to advance the entire line (see Figure with a sliding weight 50 acting as a brake on the foremost matrix.

Thus, the operator may remove the cleaned matrixes from the channel 20 in the same order in which he placed the same upon the loading channel 21 at the beginning of the operation.

The operating mechanism for the various parts of the machine have not been shown in detail, because it is believed to be well within the skill of the expert to develop the same in accordance with desired characteristics.

In use, the operator first loads the channel 21 with a number of matrixes to be cleaned, the matrixes standing in upright position and being crowded forward by a pusher 22, and the foremost matrix being arrested by the lips 27 at the end of the channel.

As the machine is started, and the first recess 29 in the upper rotor reaches its upper-most or loading position, the blade 28 raises the foremost matrix over the lips 27, causing the matrix to fall through the chute 10 into the recess 29, which, in the meantime, has been readied to receive the lower end thereof by the roller 33 hearing on the inner end of the finger 30 cooperating with the recess. The movement of the roller over the inner end of the finger is only momentary, and as soon as the lower end of the matrix has been received in the recess, the spring 35, pulling on the bar 36, withdraws the roller, thereby allowing the outer end of the finger to close in on the matrix and to lock the same in position, with its major portion projecting outwardly.

Next, the gripped matrix is advanced by the rotor along a circumferential path and through an angle of 60, when it comes to a stop, with the projecting portion disposed between the first set of brushes 13.

Just before the matrix enters between the brushes, the outer brush is thrown outward to its maximum distance to provide ample clearance for the thickest matrix, by the cam 55 on the cam shaft 56. But, when the matrix reaches its central position between the two brushes, the cam releases its hold on the outer brush, and the latter is forced inward, that is, toward the matrix, by the' spring 46. The inward motion is limited, however, by the bolt 41 striking the outer end of the finger 30.

Since the position of the outer end of the finger is limited or controlled by the thickness of the matrix, it is apparent that the position of the outer brush is also controlled by the thickness of the matrix.

Upon completion of the brushing period, the rotor advances the matrix to the next station, one hundred twenty degrees away from the loading station, where it is subjected to a final brushing operation in the same manner as previously described.

Next, the rotor advances the matrix to the discharge station, one hundred eighty degrees from the loading station, where the matrix is discharged by the roller 42 hearing on the inner end of the clamping finger 30.

The matrix, which is now in inverted position, drops upon the second rotor 16, where it is gripped and advanced through the brushes 17 and 18 in the same manner as previously described, the upper lever 34' being operated by the same bar 36 as the upper lever 34 of the upper rotor and the lower lever 43 being operated by the same bar 45 which operates the lower lever 43 of the upper rotor.

Finally, fter the matrix has reached its lowermost position in the second rotor, it is ejected upon release of its finger and discharged into the lowermost discharge channel, where it is pushed against a previously unloaded stack by the sprocket wheel or cam 49 to advance the entire stack by its own thickness.

While the matrixes A are advanced in the loading channel, the side edges may be suitably cleaned by means of a pair of reciprocating brushes 60 shown in detail in Figure 6 as being disposed on opposite sides of the advancing line.

Liquid cleaning agents may be applied to the various brushes by suitable piping connecting with the tank 61, which has an upper compartment supplying the agent to the brushes 66 through piping 67, and a lower compartment supplying rotary brushes 13 and 17, through piping 68, respectively.

Suitable collecting pans 69 may be provided underneath the said brushes and may discharge into waste, as at 70. The lower brushes 14 and 18 are principally intended for drying and are not provided with any cleaning medium.

The outer ends of the fingers are preferably provided with suitable spring-operated ejecting means, shown at 71 to insure proper release of the matrixes from the rotor.

I claim:

1. In a matrix cleaning machine, matrix feeding means including a vertical chute and means for successively dropping matrixes therethrough in vertical position, a rotary member mounted below the chute and having peripheral means for successively gripping the lower ends of the matrixes, with the major portions of the matrixes projecting outwardly, and a pair of spaced rotary brushes mounted at a further station along the peripheral path of the matrixes and operative on opposite sides of the matrixes for cleaning the same, the gripping means being made to automatically adjust themselves to matrixes of difierent thicknesses, and the brushes having means for automatically adjusting their spacing to matrixes of dif ferent thicknesses.

2. In a matrix cleaning machine, matrix feeding means including a vertical chute and means for successively dropping matrixes therethrough in vertical position, a rotary member mounted below the chute and having peripheral means for successively gripping the lower ends of the matrixes, with the major portions of the matrixes projecting outwardly, and a pair of spaced brushes mounted at a further station along the peripheral path of the matrixes and operative on opposite sides of the matrixes for cleaning the same, the gripping means including means for automatically adjusting the same to matrixes of diflerent thicknesses, and the brushes having means operable by the latter means for automatically adjusting the spacing between the brushes to matrixes of different thicknesses.

3. In a matrix cleaning machine, matrix feeding means including a vertical chute and means for successively dropping matrixes therethrough in vertical position, a

rotary member mounted below the chute and having peripheral means for successively gripping the lower ends of the matrixes, with the major portions of the matrixes projecting outwardly, means for successively cleaning the projecting portions of the matrixes along their peripheral path, a second chute mounted below the rotary member in alinement with the first chute, means operative on the gripping means for releasing the matrixes for dropping into the second chute in inverted position, a second rotary member mounted below the second chute and having peripheral means for successively gripping the opposite ends of the matrixes, with opposite major portions of the matrixes projecting outwardly, and means for successively cleaning the opposite portions of the matrixes on their peripheral path.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 515,754 Dunham Mar. 6, 1894 1,600,096 Cooney et al Sept. 14, 1926 2,295,642 Elvin et al Sept. 15, 1942 2,630,260 Tracy et a1 Mar. 3, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 354,530 Great Britain of 1931 

